Sure, I'll Join Your Cult

The first half of comedian Maria Bamford's memoir is so chaotic that I could only read a few chapters at a time. It must be exhausting to be inside her head! As the book progresses, however, it becomes more focused and heartfelt, especially as Bamford describes the downward spiral that resulted in three psych hospitalizations for Bipolar II (or “BP Lite,” as she refers to it).

Bamford isn't afraid to show her ugly side, such as the inattention that resulted in a tragedy(the death of her beloved pug). The final chapter that directly addresses people with suicidal thoughts is brilliant, cutting through the bullshit of “it gets better” to provide some genuinely helpful advice. Bamford is still obviously struggling every day; I hope she can feel good knowing that her radical honesty is a unique gift to all of us who live with mental illness.